Progress on 2012 Plan Strategies

Throughout the past 10 years, Hanahan has consistently endeavored to implement several different action items that were identified in the 2012 Comprehensive Plan. Although most of the recommended action items were listed as “ongoing” tasks at that time, the City has made significant headway in addressing the challenges and opportunities that were identified in the 2012 Plan. In the wake of the 2008 recession, many of the challenges that Hanahan faced in 2012 were impacting the nation, most notably, the economy. Hanahan faced unique challenges as well, such as diminishing community character, natural hazard mitigation, and traffic-related issues, all of which are still areas of concern. That is why many of the recommended action items were “ongoing” tasks and remain “ongoing” as they can only be effectively addressed over time. Here are some of the action items implemented from the 2012 plan and the impacts those actions have had on the community. Residents most often take notice of the physical improvements such as new roads, additional parking or improved services but are unaware of the policy and strategic initiatives that the city embarks on such as ordinance updates, financial stability, or lobbying efforts. In the past decade, Hanahan has implemented both physical and policy-related tasks that have improved the efficiency of the city and the quality of life for the residents.

Groundbreaking for new City Park

City Parks and Recreation Referendum

Parks and recreation was a priority topic in the 2012 Plan and remains a forefront topic in this plan. One of the most publicized of the City’s current initiatives is the expansion of its parks and recreation services to include an additional 53-acre park, a new waterfront park and the improvement of several existing parks. Approximately 76% of residents who voted in the 2020 election supported a $13.9 million parks and recreation referendum for these new and improved facilities and infrastructure. As summarized in the Community Facilities Element, improvements will include a new regional multi-use synthetic turf field, baseball/softball field upgrades, new playground equipment in several different parks, and a new kayak and canoe launch to name a few. The Berkeley County School District (BCSD) is an important partner and contributor towards the implementation and funding for some of these projects.

The 2012 action plan listed recommendations centered around enhancing the Town Center through economic, cultural and/or transportation endeavors. Hanahan sought to enhance the aesthetics of the Town Center and improve the streetscape network using funds collected through its Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district. With this funding, Hanahan has had the means to conduct a series of infrastructure improvements relating to utility upgrades, safety improvements and city beautification. Completed in 2022, most of the powerlines running along Yeamans Hall Rd were removed and placed underground. This project not only improves the aesthetics of the Town Center, but also reduces the potential of power outages during high wind events and removes obstacles within sidewalks for pedestrians. Sidewalk improvements were also implemented using TIF funds, increasing pedestrian safety, installing accessible curb cuts at intersections, increasing the number of ADA-compatible walkways, and in some sections, introducing a buffer strip between the sidewalks and roadway. The final bit of TIF funding collected was used to make modest city beautification improvements in the Town Center that include planting trees/flowers, unique crosswalk designs, and enhancing the city gateway at the intersection of Yeamans Hall and Remount Road.

Ordinance Updates

In 2017, Hanahan updated its Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance to protect human life and health and encourage appropriate construction practices to minimize flood damage. FEMA periodically updates the Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) to reflect any changes in floodplains due to natural disasters, new construction, erosion, sedimentation, etc., therefore, this Ordinance is periodically amended to reflect the FIRM updates. The regulations required in this Ordinance, if implemented properly, will help mitigate the impacts of stormwater flooding, reducing the risk of property damage and further increasing the quality of life for residents.

Regional Advocacy

Elected officials, city staff, commissioners, and numerous involved residents have been actively advocating for the interests of Hanahan in the region. Whether during a public meeting, forum, conference, or stakeholder workshop, it remains a priority for city representation to be in attendance. There are several different regional commissions, groups, and agencies that are implementing a range of projects in different parts of the BCD Region. Some of the major projects/services are the LCRT Project, Phase II of the LCRT TOD Study, and ongoing CARTA and TriCounty Link Transit Services. Other non-transportationrelated groups include the One Region Advisory Committee, the BCDCOG Stormwater Committee, the Berkeley Chamber of Commerce and the Air Quality Coalition.

Hanahan Amphitheater

The Hanahan Amphitheater is a unique recreation destination located in Hanahan that is one of few of its kind in the region. The amphitheater is part of the larger Hanahan Recreation Complex and is adjacent to the Hanahan Senior Center, Railroad Ave Ballfields, and along the Goose Creek Reservoir. Completed in 2013, this fiveacre community facility has an available seating capacity of over 2,500 people, offers a stage with roof cover, and features a mile long waterfront trail. The venue hosts special events, weddings, concerts, festivals and other community events year-round. This project was one of many citywide efforts to enhance the quality and range of public services in the community.

The Railroad Ave Extension project which has been in the works since the 1990s, came to fruition when the project broke ground in 2021. Over the years, local leaders, County and City Staff, first responders, and local citizens have been lobbying and advocating for this project, connecting Hanahan neighborhoods accessible only off Rivers Avenue with Hanahan Proper. To be completed in the winter of 2023, this project connects Railroad Ave to Eagle Landing Blvd via a two-lane roadway with a sidewalk on one side running parallel to the CSX railroad. This will improve mobility and accessibility for residents and first responders in the Otranto/Eagle Landing neighborhoods. Managed by SCDOT, this extension project was funded through Berkeley County’s One-Cent Sales Tax and federal funding.

We have seen partnership on the municipal level, on the county level, on the state level, and on the federal level all to make this happen. And i honestly hope that out of anything you walk out of here today, in addition to a new road, is that you remember how strong we are when we work together. -Mayor Rainwater